MLB Player News

Donovan remains on the bench for Saturday's game against the Cubs.

Donovan hasn't taken the field since late June while dealing with a flexor strain, but he's made 10 starts as a designated hitter since then, with his 1.042 OPS indicating that the issue seemingly affects only his ability to throw, not hit. He's nonetheless been stuck on the bench for three straight days, first due to a doctor's visit and then due to a pair of matchups against southpaws. (Righty Michael Fulmer will be the first pitcher on the mound for Chicago on Saturday, but lefty Drew Smyly is expected to handle the bulk innings.) Nolan Arenado will fill the DH spot, with Jose Fermin starting at the hot corner.

Marte went 3-for-5 with a triple, two home runs and four RBI in Friday's 9-6 loss to the Reds.

The veteran infielder took Ben Lively deep in the first inning for a solo shot before launching a two-run blast in seventh off Fernando Cruz. The 11 total bases were a single-game career high for Marte, who is having his most productive season since his breakout 2019 -- through 91 games, he's slashing .286/.361/.516 with 17 homers, six steals, 54 RBI and 67 runs.

Stott went 2-for-4 with a walk, a solo home run and a second run scored in Friday's 6-5 loss to the Guardians.

The 25-year-old infielder took Nick Sandlin deep in the seventh inning to get the Phillies within a run, but it was the last gasp of offense for either team. Stott has been on fire since the All-Star break, hitting safely in six straight games and batting .417 (10-for-24) over that stretch to boost his slash line on the season to .307/.344/.440 with nine homers, 16 steals, 36 RBI and 47 runs in 91 contests.

Miller is not in the lineup Friday against Atlanta.

Victor Caratini will play first base and Andruw Monasterio is at third as the Brewers face off against right-hander Charlie Morton. Miller has slashed just .254/.300/.389 in 200 plate appearances this year versus righties.

Donovan has no firm date for resuming defensive duties following a visit with an arm specialist in Dallas on Thursday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Donovan has been limited to designated hitter duty for the entirety of July because of a right flexor strain. He'll be shut down from throwing for at least another two weeks and it's not clear when, or if, he'll be allowed to play defense again this season. "I don't have a direction we want to go yet," Donovan said. "We're just kind of figuring out the direction [the specialist] wants us to go." Donovan didn't play Thursday while traveling for his doctor's visit and isn't starting Friday versus a lefty, but he should be back at DH sometime over the weekend.

Gorman is not in the starting lineup Friday versus the Cubs, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Gorman will head to the bench as St. Louis faces off with southpaw Justin Steele on Friday. Willson Contreras will slot in at designated hitter while Andrew Knizner enters the lineup behind the plate and bats eighth against Chicago.

Donovan is not in the starting lineup Friday versus the Cubs, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Donovan will take a seat as the Cardinals face off with southpaw Justin Steele on Friday. Jose Fermin will draw the start at second base and bat ninth as St. Louis attempts to extend its win streak to seven straight.

Donovan will be shut down from throwing for at least another two weeks due to renewed arm irritation, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Donovan had been aiming to return to his usual super-utility role shortly after the All-Star break, but his arm did not respond well to a recent throwing program, and he'll continue to be limited to DH and pinch-hitting duties. He is out of the Cardinals' starting lineup for Thursday's series opener against the Cubs but should be back in the designated hitter role Friday. His injury is being labeled as a "persistent flexor strain," per Katie Woo of The Athletic.

Donovan is not in the lineup Thursday against the Cubs.

Donovan continues to be limited to DH duties because of arm fatigue, and the Cardinals will roll with Paul Goldschmidt in that spot Thursday as Alec Burleson handles first base. Donovan is expected to be able to return to the field sometime early next week.

Kim is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game in Toronto.

It would appear to be a routine day of rest for Kim. Jake Cronenworth will slide over to handle second base while Alfonso Rivas gets the start at first base.